WDFW NEWS RELEASE
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
http://wdfw.wa.gov/

September 9, 2009
Contact: Fish Program, (360) 902-2700

WDFW modifies anti-snagging rule

OLYMPIA - A modification to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's (WDFW) anti-snagging rule will allow anglers to use a broader range of lures in certain freshwater areas where anti-snagging rules are in effect.

The change goes into effect today, Sept. 9.

The redefined anti-snagging rule states that anglers must follow specific gear requirements, including the use of one, single-point hook, unless they are fishing with a buoyant lure or trolling from a floating device in waters where anti-snagging rules are in effect. Details on the modified rule and gear requirements are available online at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/regs/fishregs.htm .

The change alters an anti-snagging rule adopted earlier this year during WDFW's permanent rule-making process that required anglers to use lures (buoyant or non-buoyant) with single-point hooks while fishing for salmon and steelhead in the mainstem Columbia River from Bonneville Dam to McNary Dam, or fishing for any fish species in other affected rivers.

The single-point hook requirement was intended to address snagging problems, simplify WDFW's previous non-buoyant lure restriction and allow anglers to more easily release non-target fish such as wild salmon and steelhead, said Craig Burley, WDFW's fish division manager.

After hearing from members of the public who proposed alternatives to the new single-point hook requirement, the department modified the anti-snagging rule to allow the use of multiple hooks under certain circumstances, Burley said.

"The change adds some complexity to the rule, but we believe it will not interfere with the department's ability to protect fish from snagging." Burley said.

Burley noted that WDFW will also consider further gear modifications aimed at conserving wild fish populations during the upcoming 2010-2012 sportfishing rule adoption process.

"The department's priority is to create rules that are designed to protect Washington's wild fish populations while continuing to provide anglers with sportfishing opportunities," Burley said.

I just called the Mill Creek office for clarification.

I kept reading, and re-re-reading the the new rules to the gentleman on the phone. He kept telling me that the new rule is allowing ONE hook.

This can't be right. He seemed a bit confused while going over it with me. His phone was ringing off the hook with similar questions.

One hook? This can't be right. Seems that it now states that if you are fishing from a boat (floating device) you can use 2 hooks on your buoyant lure.

Does anyone else have any questions or additional clarification on this amended rule. The gent at the Mill Creek office seemed a bit confused as well.

Thrasher is a total snagger. And so is Todd. That is why they, once again, are having to modify their snagging rigs.

Damn it! Secret is out!

So now again, does my weight go below my hook? What really is a single point hook?

I get so confused on this snagging. Is it grip and rip?

It gets me every time.

I called the number on the posting with the same question. basically, I could not understand how the rule had changed from its' original description in the regulations after reading it over and over. But the WDFW fish dept person told me that they added "buoyant lure". He said that you are still allowed to fish 2, single point hookd from a boat.

I also asked whether jigs were illegal and he said that they are not, but are considered non-buoyant and are, therefor, limited to single point hooks.

Here's the second press release that came out today:


September 9, 2009

Change to anti-snagging rule

Action: Changes the definition of the anti-snagging rule to: Except when fishing with a buoyant lure or trolling from a floating device, anglers may use only one single-point hook, measuring no more than ¾ inch from point to shank. Hooks must be attached to or below the lure or bait. Weights may not be attached below or less than 12 inches above the lure or bait.

A buoyant lure floats on the surface of fresh water when it is not being retrieved by a line.

"Trolling" means fishing from a vessel that is underway and under power.

Effective dates: Immediately until further notice.

Species affected: All species affected by the anti-snagging rule.

Location: All locations where the anti-snagging rule is in effect.

Reasons for action: This change allows additional recreational opportunity by allowing gear types commonly used in salmon fishing while providing protection to fish from snagging.

Information Contact: Fish Program (360) 902-2700.

I fail to see any change in the new ruling. Before it was one hook from the beach, two from a boat. Before: troll a plug with two single hooks. Now: Troll a plug with two single hooks. Seems the same to me???? Bill

Just playing devils advocate.

Wonder how they would interpret that clause in the case of the bobber technique where the "attractor" is the equivalent of a leaded corkie.

Would that be considered an attached weight or is it a lure?

Speaking from Oregon's standpoint, jigs, with heads "molded on the hook" are lures, but the use of those 'drift weight' things, that look like painted metal beads or lead balls, that you can slide on your leader... are a no-no. They MUST be fixed to the hook shank.

Oregon also considers plastic unscented worms as bait,but you can use scents in no bait zones.



Why does this have to be difficult. Make the leader length 4 ' maximum with single barbless hooks.

Could be written a little better, but seems pretty straightforward to me. If you're trolling, you can use multiple or treble hooks. If you're fishing with a buoyant lure (effectively a plug or topwater), you can use multiple or treble hooks. If you're not trolling or using a buoyant lure (plug or topwater), then you need to follow the single hook rules.

No where does it say anything about using treble hooks. It does however state single hooks. I think anglers could "assume" that they would be legal, but....area they?

It sounds like thats what they mean. But way to clear things wdfw! Sometimes there as clear as mud.

A little confrused here. So..... If I am trolling from a floating device n am use n a floating lure, I can use four single hooks????? Thrasher what's your take?

If you are are trolling or fishing with a plug THAN YOU CAN USE TReBlE HOOKS, if you are not trolling or fishing with a plug than you can use 1 single hook.

I was encouraged by a guide friend of mine to call Mill Creek office. Dude there had just finished taking a major toke, so he was a bit....munchee I think. He told me that we could not use trebles on kwikfish or tads, warts, etc....He said that we were only allowed to use 2, single pointed hooks while fishing from a floating device while fishing with a buoyant lure. He said only while fishing from a floating device are you allowed to use 2 single hooks. Fishing from shore, guys are still only allowed to use 1 single point hook.

It took him about 4 start and stops and a hershey bar and a bag of doritos to get this across to me. He finally told me that he was pretty confused and needed to put me on hold to gather some more info and answer a phone. Interpreted as, reloading his bowl and getting ready to ignite.

In laymans terms, I don't think that he had a fricking clue what the rules are now.....Nor do I.

I think the guy at Mill Creek was indeed distracted by his pipe...was it 4:20 when you called?

Here's how I read it:

Start with the general premise that you can use a single, double or treble hook. See the definition of Hook on page 23 of the regs. I couldn't find it in a quick review of the regs, but I've always been under the impression you're limited to two hooks.

That's the general rule, subject to additional rules for the specific body of water you're fishing. That's where the anti-snagging rule comes in. Where applicable, the anti-snagging rule (as amended) provides that you must use the single hook meeting the specs EXCEPT when you're using a buoyant lure or trolling. So if you're using a buoyant lure or trolling, you just go back to the general rule (i.e. you can use treble hooks).

I think the Mill Creek guy might have just looked at the old rule (which talks about 2 single hooks from boats) and figured they were just adding bouyant lures to that exception. The new rule as stated in the release appears to get rid of the 2 single hook part, so fishing from boats or with buoyant lures gets you out of the rule entirely.

Here's the new rule:

"Except when fishing with a buoyant lure or trolling from a floating device, anglers may use only one single-point hook, measuring no more than ¾ inch from point to shank. Hooks must be attached to or below the lure or bait. Weights may not be attached below or less than 12 inches above the lure or bait. A buoyant lure floats on the surface of fresh water when it is not being retrieved by a line. "Trolling" means fishing from a vessel that is underway and under power."

Oh I get it.

They don't understand the rule, but we're supposed to.

Gotcha.

I still have donkeys tell me I shouldn't be using a spinner in rivers with the 'Non-buoyant lure restriction' in place. I'm sure they'll understand this new rule, though.

kind of like a 3oz buzz bomb is perfectly legal, but a size 5 split shot 6" above your eggs is worthy of a ticket.

What about egg weights used to fish eggs under a float. Are they illegal?